Military Community

An MBA can be a great resource for veterans to enhance business skills and transition into a civilian role in the business world. You already have a great foundation of skills from your military experience—leadership, management, team building, logistics, and operations, to name a few—that easily transfer to business school and beyond.

McCombs recognizes the value military veterans bring to our campus. Our community is one of support, collaboration, and dedication to prepare you for top job performance in the business world. We have military students hailing from all branches of service. Explore our community and the wealth of resources available to you at McCombs.

Student Organizations

Armed Forces Alumni Association (AFAA)

As the primary MBA student organization for military veterans in the program, the AFAA is a great way to get connected and involved in our community. The organization focuses on drawing parallels between the principles learned in the military and the skills required to be successful in business. AFAA maintains relationships with other ex-military MBA students at top business schools around the country and provides information to current or ex-military applicants interested in McCombs.

UT Student Veterans Association

The Student Veterans Association at The University of Texas at Austin works to serve the needs of students with prior or current military association, as well as their families and dependents. The organization aims to develop and implement support activities to better assess, promote, and represent the interests of this population within the university community.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill gives financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

We encourage you to visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 GI Bill website for more information and to determine your eligibility. The New GI Bill website’s Benefits Calculator is another helpful tool to estimate the benefits you may be entitled to.

Hazlewood Act

Since the Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth does not receive state funding, Hazlewood Act benefits do not apply. However, students who would have otherwise qualified for the Hazlewood Act may qualify for the Texas Military Waiver. To learn more about the Texas Military Waiver, contact Ginger Stone.

Application Fee Waiver

Candidates who are currently serving, or have served, in any of the five branches of the United States military may request a waiver of the application fee. After you submit your application, contact us to have the waiver processed.

McCombs Student Veterans

Get to know some of our current MBA student veterans by clicking their photo.

Michael McDoleMBA '15

Hometown: Highland Park, TXBranch of Service: United States Marine CorpsMilitary Occupation: InfantryUndergrad: The University of Texas at Austin

Nathan LenahanMBA '15

Branch of Service: United States ArmyUndergrad: Brigham Young University

Nate BeranMBA '15

Branch of Service: United States Air ForceMilitary Occupation: Aviation Weather ForecasterUndergrad: The University of Texas at Austin

Career Support

No matter where your interest lies, our career advisors work closely with you throughout your MBA experience to help you discover your primary interests and tailor your resume and other materials accordingly. Our career staff offers both formal education on the recruiting process and one-on-one advising to help you highlight your specific strengths and relevant transferable skills for your career interests.

Michelle Hardy, the senior associate director of MBA employer relations, serves as the staff advisor for the Armed Forces Alumni Association. As an Air Force veteran, she is able to help with any career questions you may have.

Contact Information

If you would like to get in touch with one of our veteran students and hear firsthand about the student experience at McCombs, please send us an email.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about our military community at McCombs and how to become a part of it, please feel free to contact David Burford, the associate director of admissions. As a Marine Corps veteran, David is an excellent resource to military students for understanding the available financial aid options and helping to translate military experience throughout the admissions process.